 Birth Notes:
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11558-53952-78?cc=1478678
And
http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/igi/individual_record.asp?recid=100300216245&lds=1®ion=0&frompage=1
And
http://ancestry24.com/wp-content/uploads/pages/Genealogies%20of%20old%20South%20African%20Families/page_02857.pdf
The records are a little vague. Either way he was born late night 30 April 1815 or early morning 1 May 1815. There is no question his actual christening record says 1 May 1815.
And
Copy of his father - William Cornelius Van Ryneveld's Death Notice #1367 filed 15 April 1852 in RAB's possession. He is recorded as being 36 years old on 2 April 1852. Cal 2 Apr 1816.
Christening Notes:
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/VFTS-Y86
Death Notes:
Died at Graaff Reinet on Sunday afternoon, the 24th inst, after a lingering illness of five months, Honoratus Robart Maynier VAN RYNEVELD, formerly of the Cape Corps, second son of the late W.C. VAN RYNEVELD Esq, aged 39 years and six months, leaving a widow and five children to deplore his untimely loss.
The relatives of the deceased avail themselves of this opportunity to return their most heartfelt thanks to his numerous friends, who so kindly assisted him during his protracted and painful illness.
See http://www.genealogyworld.net/settlers/herald.htmll
And
National Archives of South Africa
DEPOT KAB
SOURCE MOOC
TYPE LEER
VOLUME_NO 6/9/70
SYSTEM 01
REFERENCE 3189
PART 1
DESCRIPTION VAN RYNEVELD, HONORATUS JOHANNES ROBERT. DEATH NOTICE.
STARTING 1855
ENDING 1855
And
http://ancestry24.com/search-item/?id=C1438234
And
http://ancestry24.com/wp-content/uploads/pages/Genealogies%20of%20old%20South%20African%20Families/page_02857.pdf
And
He died of pneumonia in his mother's house in Graaff Reinet.
Burial Notes:
Best estimate.
Sources of information or noted events in his life were:
• Children. They had 5 children see http://www.genealogyworld.net/settlers/herald.htmll
• General Comment. May be Honoratus Robert Maynier Van Ryneveld b. 1815 d. 27 DEC 1854 in Graaff Reinet, South Africa aged 39 years and 6 months. See Graaf Reinet Herald, Dated: 27 December 1854, CO53/43 National Archives, Kew, London.
And
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=linsul&id=I1568
And
http://www.genealogyworld.net/settlers/herald.htmll
The evidence is overwhelming that it is Honoratus Johannes Robert.
• General Comment. AJVR records him as a handsome Dutchman who farmes at Rynheath.
• Military Service. Cape Mounted Rifles. see http://www.1820settlers.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=38
And
http://www.1820settlers.co.uk/genealogy/getperson.php?personID=I73346&tree=master
• Occupation. Civil Commissioner of Graaff-Reinet.
• Web Based Info. http://ancestry24.com/wp-content/uploads/pages/Genealogies%20of%20old%20South%20African%20Families/page_02857.pdf
And
http://www.busvannah.co.za/memory/Docs/Thomas%2520Van%2520Rooyen%2520Family%252010%2520Oct%25202012.pdf
And
http://www.geni.com/search?names=van+ryneveld&page=17&search_advanced=open&search_events=closed&search_extended=closed&search_type=people
And
http://www.1820settlers.co.uk/genealogy/getperson.php?personID=I73346&tree=master
• General Comment. Honoratius
Honoratius Johannes Robert was born at Wynberg and was most probably named after his mother's father, Honoratius Maynier. He was known as Natie, and also apparently as "The Handsome Dutchman" a nickname probably given to him by Gen. Somerset..
In a letter dated February 1835, Sir Harry Smith wrote to Willem Cornelius about his son and expressed a high regard "for that fine young fellow Honoratius".
He was a sheep farmer and taking something from their surnames van Ryneveld and Heathcote they called their farm "Rynheath", a name given to many van Ryneveld homes since then. The farm passed through many generations and has also been divided. Lynette Shaw visited Mr. Els in Graaff Reinet in 1961 who had recently purchased a Rynheath farm. The farm was situated about 5 miles outside town. The original farmhouse was thought to have burnt down while Helperus Ritzema owned it. The palm trees in front of the house and the palm trees that lined the driveway appeared to be very old as well as an old slave bell out back. There are other Rynheath farms in the district as well as a Rynheath station siding.
According to War van Ryneveld he had been to the farm when the Collett family owned it. He said that when Slezenger bought up all the ground under the Kendrew scheme, which derives its water from the van Ryneveld Pass Dam, Rynheath was included, but Collett retained the old household.
Honoratius served in the Burgher force during the Kaffir War in 1846. An interesting letter to his wife, written from Fort Cox, describes some of his experiences and a narrow escape. He still owned Rynheath in 1852 but was trying to sell it as (in his wife's words) "… the climate and water so much disagree with you". He sold the farm to his brother Helperus Ritzema.
According to Natie's great-granddaughter Mrs. Rademeyer, his suits were specially tailored for him and his boots made "as an advertisement". As she said, "that's the benefit of being called 'The Handsome Dutchman". She also said that he was a good swimmer and often took part in swimming competitions whilst at college at Cape Town. Once while swimming in the Fish River Mouth with friends Mr. Melville and Mr. Harding, a shark grabbed Mr. Harding and that was the last they saw of him.
Honoratius died very suddenly from pneumonia at the age of 39 on 24.12.1854 in his mother's house in Graaff Reinet. Eleven years after his death Harriet remarried a Mr. Ignatius M. Van Rooyen who unfortunately went insolvent 3 months later. Harriet died on 29th January 1895 and van Rooyen died in 1888 - this meant they were married for 20 years. On her death notice her mothers name is given as Sara Elizabeth Gashel but should probably have read Guscott.
• Correspondence. Copy of a letter from Honoratius van Ryneveld to his wife, Harriet Forbes Heathcote
Addressed to: Mrs. N. van Ryneveld,
Care of W.C. van Ryneveld, Esq.,
Civil Commissioner, Graaff Reinet
Fort Cox, 24th August, 1846.
My dear Harriet,
Thank God I am still alive to write you a few lines. On the night of the 19th instant I left this camp with 430 men under my command to co-operate with Capt. Sutton in the Chumie Hoek. After having scoured all the kloofs in that direction for two days and taking 100 head of cattle I thought it advisable to return the shortest way home, which I thought the Amaloti - but to my utter astonishment the Caffers opposed my march and hemmed me in all together. They mustered at least 1500 men most of them with firearms. At the first onset two of my men were shot dead which struck a panic amongst the Fingoes, 100 of whom I had with me, and they took to their heels and it was not before that I was obliged to knock half a dozen of them down that I could rally them at all. I then posted myself with about 80 of my best men on the top of the little hill and kept the Caffers at bay until a reinforcement could arrive from the camp and luckily Col. Hare sent to my relief 100 Red Coats and 100 Fingoes who just arrived in time to save myself and my party from being cut off, for my powder was nearly expended. As soon as I was relieved I moved camp with my dead and wounded. Stretcher party of Fingoes who came up to my assistance engaged with the enemy immediately and lost two… men and had 3 wounded and was obliged to retreat.
An immense number of Caffers have fallen in this engagement - more than was killed by the whole Division before. I had some very narrow escapes but am, thank God, all right. I had my shin bruised by a spent ball - but I don't feel pain from it any more.
The men who were killed I dare say you will recollect. One was a corporal of mine named Daniel, the man that was employed by Heugh and Henning and the other was a man named Gamble, an eccentric character that used to be about Graaff Reinet.
I really do not know how long this horrid war will last. I am sick of it. The Authorities do not know what to do. The troops are upon half rations and cattle and horses are dying in all directions. Two Regiments of the line have arrived in the Colony and 5000 more men are expected from England immediately, and then the Burgher forces will be sent home. The Caffers are very daring indeed stealing the trek oxen and horses within sight of the post.
I have not received a letter my dear Harry from you since you went back to Rynheath. What is the matter that you do not write? The only comfort I have is when I receive a letter from you and from my family. Write often and tell me everything. I am generally obliged to write in a violent hurry - I have a great deal to do and we never hear of an express going off until it is about to start. How are my dear little children? Tell Molly to write her Papa a letter.
Has Mama left for the Bay? If she has I hope that she has arrived there safe. The Caffers are pouring into the Colony again in all directions and it will not be advisable to travel between Graaff Reinet and the Bay without an escort.
Tell Papa that I have seen nothing of Josias but I have heard a few days ago that he is perfectly well and doing good service.
Have you received the draft of £10 which I sent you? When you acknowledge the receipt of it I shall then send you some more.
How are you getting on on the farm? How I do long to be back again. The privations we are to endure are too great, and especially people like myself who are not looking forward to promotion in the Army. Even the commissioned officers are disgusted with the whole affair and none more than the 7th D.E.E. who have lots of money and cannot even obtain the most common necessities of life.
I must end now my dear Harry! As I am again to be late for the post. Give my best love to Papa, Mama and the rest of the family and kiss my dear children for me.
Your ever affectionate husband, Natie.
Copy of a letter from Harriet Forbes Heathcote to her husband, Honoratius van Ryneveld
Addressed to: Honoratius van Ryneveld Esq.,
Rynheath, Graaff Reinet
Oatlands, May 18th, 1852.
My dear Natie,
I received your letter of the 29th April last Thursday. It is the only one I have ever received. You will be surprised at my not having left Oatlands but Dr. Eddie will not allow Molly to travel for two more days. The hand is much better but he is afraid of the cold on the road. She has suffered dreadfully from her hand. I am extremely impatient to be off - particularly as you write such bad accounts of your own health, but I cannot act otherwise as inflammation and mortification might ensue from any imprudence. Henry came in again on purpose to accompany me as far as Somerset. The depredations of the Kafirs are increasing - four parties have come in. An attack was made on some wagons at Espey's Drift and another on Clayton's farm near the Fish River in which two of Clayton's sons were killed. The road is decidedly dangerous, but I must hope for the best as I long to be at home. I think if you can sell the farm to advantage you had better do so as the climate and water so much disagree with you. As long as we get a safe cool farm near the sea I shall be quite contented.
The measles are very prevalent here, and that is another reason why I am anxious to get away. Lord Alexander Russel and his wife are staying here. She is a nice person and takes great notice of little Fanny.
I shall be obliged to borrow a little money from the General to pay my way home. He is in great fright for fear Henry should marry Miss Grisbroke.
I am glad the boys are with you. If you are kind to poor Maynierche (their son Henry Maynier) I shall collect some of the dysentry bush and bring it with me. I hope to be home in a fortnight now. I could not have believed that poor Molly's hand would have been so tedious. I hope poor mama is well. Fanny was very sorry to hear of your illness - but she and the General both hope to see you again at the Bay. They are anxiously looking out for the arrival of the next steamer, to know what will be done with them. (The general was due to leave for India and they did leave in Sep. 1853).
God bless you my dear Natie. This is only a hurried note as the post leaves directly. Kiss my dear boys for me, And believe me as ever, Your affectionate wife, H van Ryneveld.
Extract a letter from Mr. J.C.S. Haarhoof, of Brighton Keep, Graaff Reinet
Fashionable Wedding
I witnessed the wedding of Mr. C.F. Heugh, of Aberdeen, to Miss M.E.S.H. van Ryneveld (Maria, (Molly) Elizabeth Heugh), the only daughter of Capt. Honoratius van Ryneveld , eldest brother of George and Daniel, on the 1st March, 1860. Capt. Van Ryneveld's wife was a daughter of Adm. Sir. W.M. Heathcote. General Somerset was present at the wedding, and insisted on military postilion style, which was the first and only time postilions have ever been utilised at a wedding in the Gem of the Desert. Those responsible for the unique get-up of the wedding turn-out secured Mrs. S.E. Wimble's splendid landau. A squadron of cavalry was at the time stationed at Graaff Reinet. The officers in command were Maj. Campbell, Capt. Thursbay and Lieut. Humphries. The latter undertook to secure four well matched horses for the landau. Ralphe Aderne, land-surveyor, bestrode the right leader of the team, and Lieut. Humphries the near right one. They were dressed alike in tight-fitting white breaches, Easton jackets of rifle green cloth, patent leather top-boots, boat-shaped caps and showy brass buckles on the side, strap under the chin, and white gauntlets. It was a very swagger display, and much admired. When the equipages drove up, the ladies were escorted to their respective places. Plush carpeting was laid down from the front door to the carriages. First emerged the Captain (this is incorrect as Natie died in 1854) with the bride, his daughter on his arm; next followed Gen. Somerset with the bride's mother, the bridegroom bought out the bridesmaid (Miss Lettie Grisbrock), who, in after years married Prof. Guthrie of G.R. College. The equipages moved on in a stately manner. The second carriage was lent for the occasion by Mrs. M.H. Benjamin; it was drawn by a pair of beautiful white stallions.
Gen. Somerset and Capt. Van Ryneveld (this was 1860- Somerset left for India in 1853 and Natie died 1854) stepped into the first carriage, along with the happy bridegroom. St. James Church, where the marriage ceremony was performed by Canon Steabler, was crowded with interested spectators. After the ceremony the wedding party returned to Capt. Van Ryneveld's residence to sit down to a sumptuous feast prepared for them. It was undoubtedly the grandest wedding that ever took place in the dear old Gem.
Little did I imagine at the time that when I reached my 20th year, the gentleman whom I saw married so grandly on the 1st march 1860 would become my boss. I entered Mr. Heugh's service as a book-keeper, and had a very happy time in Aberdeen. My employer was like a kind father to me. He had one child when I entered his service, a son about 2 years old, and named Henry - our H.H. Heugh now of Oudtshoorn. The Heughs were a fine and very popular family.
I well remember the poetry etc. that my old friend taught me of an evening. Henry Heugh will smile when he reads this, for he knows that his dear old Dad, who was a very fine type of colonist, made all the lads learn poetry, recite, and generally improve their minds. Alas, the good old days of yore!
Regarding Maria van Ryneveld's family, I may add that Gen. Sir Henry Somerset who was Lieut. Governor of the Eastern Province for a time, was Mrs. C.F. Heugh's uncle. Her maiden name was Maria Elizabeth Somerset van Ryneveld. Daughter of Capt. Honoratius van Ryneveld; her mother's maiden name was Harriet Forbes Heathcote, a daughter of Admiral Sir Wm. Heathcote. Lady Henry Somerset was also a Miss Heathcote.
J.C.S.H.
(The above notes by Mr. Haarhoof were presumably written in 1925. Understandably the writer's recollection of the occasion was not perfect. Lyn Shaw met the writer's daughter when visiting Graaff Reinet in 1961 - she was the curator of the Reinet House Museum - A.J.van Ryneveld)
• General Comment. Copy of his father - William Cornelius Van Ryneveld's Death Notice #1367 filed 15 April 1852 in RAB's possession. He is recorded as being 36 years old on 2 April 1852. Cal 2 Apr 1816.
• General Comment. Copy of his daughter - Susan Ellen Zondagh nee Van Ryneveld's Death Notice #23357 filed 6 Aug 1929 in RAB's possession.
Honoratus married Harriet Forbes Heathcote, daughter of Vice Adm. Sir Henry Heathcote R. N. , K. C. B. and Sarah Ann Guscott, on 12 Aug 1840 in Oatlands, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa.1 (Harriet Forbes Heathcote was born on 28 Oct 1815 in Hursley, Hampshire, England and died on 28 Jan 1895 in Diep Rivier, Cape Province, South Africa.)
Sources of information or n events in their marriage were:
• Web Based Info. August 1840.
Married by Special Licence on Wednesday 12th inst at Oatlands, the residence of Colonel SOMERSET, R.H. Honoratus VAN RYNEVELD Esq of the Cape Mounted Rifles, second son to William C. VAN RYNEVELD Esq, Civil Commissioner of Graaff-Reinet, to Harriet FORBES, 5th daughter of Vice Admiral Sir Henry HEATCOTE RN
Graham's Town 12th August 1840.
http://www.1820settlers.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Genealogy&file=getperson&personID=I73345&tree=1
And
http://ancestry24.com/wp-content/uploads/pages/Genealogies%20of%20old%20South%20African%20Families/page_02857.pdf
And
http://www.eggsa.org/newspapers/index.php/grahamstown-journal/62-gj-1840
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